Imagine moving your family into this brand-new Galveston home in August 1900. Less than a month later, the Great Storm arrived. Built for prominent Galveston jeweler Michael W. Shaw and his family, this imposing brick residence was barely finished when it faced the deadliest natural disaster in U.S. history—and survived. Seven years later, the scene looked remarkably different: “The lower floor of the beautiful Shaw home was cleared for dancing, and the galleries and lawn made bright with Japanese lanterns and electric lights. The whole house was lighted up from cellar to garret, which gave a most welcome and attractive appearance.” ~Galveston Tribune, 1907 M.W. Shaw established what is recognized as the first jewelry store in Texas, sold a silver-studded cane to Sam Houston, and is even credited in Galveston lore with helping give “The Strand” its name. More than 125 years after the Shaw family moved in, their stately brick home still stands on Ball Avenue. Have you spotted thi...